Mix It Up Monday: Patterned Skirt

Here's a common lament I've heard multiple times:
"I bought an adorable skirt! It has this really cute pattern that I love, and I know of an awesome necklace I could borrow from my [friend, sister-in-law, boss...] that would be perfect for it!"
"That's great!"
"...But I only have one top that would match because I bought it to go with the skirt based off what was shown on the store's mannequin, therefore I can't wear this adorable skirt very often, no matter how much I love it, because I'll be an over-wearing repeat offender."
Alright, maybe it's not in so many words, but I can read hear between the lines!
Patterns tend to intimidate, but I'm here to tell you that you don't need to be overly cautious about them! Case in point, the skirt pictured below:

Square-patterned skirt [H&M]
It's a bit difficult to tell here, but the bigger squares
are a deep hunter green, and there are
white & cream-colored squares staggered
throughout the background.
The wide pleats make me a bit nostalgic
for my school uniform skirts from grade school
and high school!

Lose the necklace, add an
embellished grey cardigan
 and you have an almost
"suit-like" look with a
casual vibe. It's a softer
look, but still structured.

Using the same color, taking
it up a notch to a crisp
button-down collared top.
A necklace with varying
sizes, shapes, and tones of green
beads pulls the whole look together.

White bow-collar top [Gap]
Bronze skinny belt [NY&Co]
This is a very easy starting point:
white appears in the skirt, so
it's a no-brainer for the top
color. Defining the waist with a
belt is a great way to spice up
a basics-based look.

A basic white tee
and textured vest in a
subtle color palate show that
you're not afraid to pair varying
neutral tones & make a strong
statement while you do! A longer
necklace [bought to support
Scarlet Cord ministries] helps fill
out the neckline & add a hint of sparkle. 

Here's an easy tip for creating
seemingly more complicated
outfits like this one: choose a fun
piece of multi-colored statement jewelry
that shares colors with the patterned skirt.
Then choose a top that coordinates with
a different color in the necklace. Voilà!

A bright pop of color from a coral cami
charges up the outfit. A neutral jacket reigns in the energy
to maintain a focused look.

...Or go with the energy of the color
and add a lovely detail like this tiered
lace-inspired vest. The detail is on the
back of the piece, so make sure
you wear your hair up and know
that you leave each room with a pleasantly surprising wake of style 
as you walk away.

Navy is a neutral, and for that
reason alone, it goes with this skirt.
The toffee-colored jacket is also
a neutral, so it, too, goes
without hesitation.
Any questions?

Tuxedo-inspired ribbon & button detail
on the navy top